Gyudon: Where to Find This Hearty Beef Bowl in Metro Manila

Gyudon, which translates to "beef bowl," is perhaps one of the most popular Japanese dishes you'll ever encounter. Uncomplicated and affordable, gyudon usually consists of just thin slices of beef boiled in savory-sweet soy sauce and sauteed onions, but it can also be finished off with ginger and shichimi pepper, and a runny yolk or soft egg. It is then served on top of a steaming bowl of white rice, best eaten immediately.

It's no surprise, then, why gyudon has become a comfort food of many; it's the type of dish you never really tire of. For your next beefy craving, we suggest you go back to the humble and simple gyudon. Here's where to find gyudon in Metro Manila.

Yoshinoya

It's only natural for Yoshinoya to top this list. It was vendor Eikichi Matsuda, owner of the Yoshinoya chain, who coined "gyudon" in the late 1800s, after all. Gyudon has its origins in gyumeshi (beef rice), which was sold by vendors as a type of fast, convenient food in the late 19th century. Eikichi hails from the town of Yoshino, hence the chain's name.

Today, Yoshinoya has three branches in Metro Manila, namely in SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, and Glorietta. When you say gyudon around here, Yoshinoya is definitely top of mind for many Filipinos, thanks to their delicious and affordable beef bowls. Its SM North Edsa and Glorietta are temporarily closed for renovations, so head to its SM Megamall branch or turn to GrabFood and foodpanda to have your beefy fill!

Location: EDSA, corner Doña Julia Vargas Ave, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong

Sukiya

Founded in 1982, Sukiya has gone on to become Japan's largest gyudon chain with 1,930 stores in the country alone. Sukiya opened its first branch in the Philippines in Glorietta mall in 2021 during the pandemic year where it offers high-quality and affordable gyudon which come in different variants. Its beef bowls range from small to extra-large portion sizes along with drink and side dish combos. Go for the classic Soft Boiled Egg Gyudon (P159 for a medium bowl) or the Spicy Mayo Sunny Side Up Gyudon (P159; medium) and the Soft Boiled Egg & Spring Onion Gyudon (P175; medium) for something different.

Location: Glorietta BPO 2 Building, Second Floor, Palm Drive, Makati,

Kazunori Japanese Restaurant

If you're feeling indulgent, check out Kazunori's gyudon. A bowl comes with high-quality beef strips, wagyu slices, tofu, tamago (egg), and vegetables nestled on top of steaming rice. This precious bowl is priced at P1,100, but if that's not enough for you, sample its Beef Truffle Don as well. Costing P1,300, this beef bowl comes with four kinds of beef, namely wagyu, beef strips, beef cubes, and ground beef, served with vegetables, rice, and miso soup!

Location: 2301 Chino Roces Ave. Extension 1231 Makati

TETSUO

This restaurant owned by close friends Matt San Pedro, Sean Bautista, and Wesley Chan is known for its signature Japanese fried chicken (leg, thigh, and karaage) that comes in three spice levels: sansho (citrus and pepper), ichimi (mild heat), and kaneda (hot and spicy). There's also a separate Hot Chicken on their menu for those brave enough to try it.

Nevertheless, we urge you not to sleep on its Beef + Egg Bowl (P300). Made of beef belly, dashi (stock), soy mirin, teriyaki, spring onion, sesame, rice, and topped off with a soft-boiled egg, this dish is hands down one of the heartiest beef bowls you'll find in the metro. Don't forget to order some Kani Fries (P150), made of crispy kani (crab), ponzu (citrus-based sauce) mayo, teriyaki, and aonori (seaweed), while you're at it.

Locations: 88 Esteban Abada Street, Quezon City; 8483 Kalayaan Ave., Poblacion, Makati

Ooma

This bold Japanese restaurant is nothing short of oomazing and its gyudon will not leave you disappointed! A concept of The Moment Group, Ooma is not afraid to take the daring route when it comes to its dishes while still being authentically Japanese. Its ebi tempura, hanger steak, and cheese katsu curry don sure are must tries, but its gyudon also packs a punch. Good for one to two people, this bowl comprises beef short plate, shiitake mushrooms, onion, fried shallots, fried egg, and house tare for P355.

We suggest you go for this or Ooma's Gyudon Bento, which comes with three pieces of aburi maki of your choice for P399.

Locations: Ooma can be found in Bonifacio Global City, Greenbelt, Molito, Rockwell, and SM Megamall.